Reach Ahead Foundation is a dynamic, 2-year program designed for middle school students to engage deeply with core subjects through experiential learning. This course challenges students to think critically and creatively by connecting classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. It combines elements from science, social studies, mathematics, and language arts, offering a holistic approach to learning that promotes problem-solving skills, collaboration, and personal growth.
Course Objectives:
To integrate academic concepts with practical application through hands-on projects, field trips, and community engagement.
To enhance students' understanding of the world around them and their ability to influence it positively.
To develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and research skills.
To foster a sense of curiosity and lifelong learning.
Learning Methods:
Project-Based Learning: Students will participate in semester-long projects that may include designing a community garden to understand plant biology and ecosystems, or creating a mock city to learn about urban planning and governance.
Field Trips: Regular visits to museums, historical sites, scientific centers, and local businesses will provide students with opportunities to observe and engage with professionals, enhancing their learning through observation and direct interaction.
Guest Speakers and Workshops: Experts from various fields will visit the classroom or conduct workshops to provide insights into their professions, discussing real-life applications of the subjects studied.
Reflection Journals: Students will maintain a reflection journal to document their learning experiences, insights gained, and questions that arise during their activities. This promotes deeper understanding and personal connection with the learned material.
Assessment Methods:
Portfolios: Students will compile a portfolio of their projects, reflective entries, and other assignments to showcase their learning progress over the year.
Presentations: Students will present their projects to the class, describing their process, findings, and learning points, which helps in developing their public speaking and persuasion skills.
Peer Reviews: Feedback sessions will be conducted where students provide constructive feedback to each other, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Course Requirements:
Participation in all planned activities, projects, and field trips.
Regular entries in their reflection journals.
Completion of all assigned projects and presentations.
Why Choose This Course?
Reach Ahead Foundation is designed not just to educate but to inspire students to connect with their learning on a personal level. By emphasizing experiential learning, the course prepares students not only for higher education but for lifelong engagement with the world around them. It’s perfect for students who thrive in active, hands-on learning environments and who are curious about integrating their knowledge across various disciplines to solve real-world problems.
Click here for further details about the Grade 7 Ontario Curriculum.
Click here for further details about the Grade 8 Ontario Curriculum.
For Grade 8 students with a forward thinking Career Plan backed up with good academic performance, THINNOX also offers the Reach Ahead program in Technology, Engineering and Design areas.
Under the Reach Ahead program, students in Grade 8 have the opportunity to reach ahead by taking secondary school courses, either during the school year or in the summer prior to entering Grade 9.
Course Objectives:
- To familiarize students with the pace and depth of university-level coursework and research in STEAM fields.
- To engage students in high-level projects that require critical thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches.
- To provide opportunities for students to work alongside industry professionals in their areas of interest.
- To develop skills in academic research, technical writing, and scholarly presentation.
Learning Methods:
Capstone Project: Students select a challenge or question of interest and develop a project that integrates aspects of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The project includes a research phase, development phase, and final presentation.
Advanced Workshops and Seminars: Workshops led by university professors or industry experts that cover advanced topics not typically included in high school curricula.
Research Projects: Students will undertake a significant research project akin to a college thesis. This involves hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data analysis, and final presentation of results.
Internships and Field Experiences: Placement in real-world settings such as corporate research labs, startups, or university research groups to provide practical experience and professional networking.
Mentorship Program: Each student is paired with a mentor from academia or industry who provides guidance and insight throughout the development of their capstone project.
Peer Collaboration Sessions: Structured sessions where students present their work-in-progress to peers for feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Industry and Academic Field Trips: Visits to universities, research labs, and companies give students insights into the professional world and potential career paths in STEAM fields.
Symposiums and Conferences: Participation in scientific symposiums or conferences, where students present their research findings to an audience of peers and professionals.
Assessment Methods:
Capstone Project Evaluation: Projects are assessed on innovation, integration of STEAM disciplines, execution, and impact. This includes a written report, project artifacts (e.g., models, software, experiments), and a final presentation.
Reflective Journaling: Students maintain a journal documenting their project progress, challenges, learning points, and personal growth.
Peer and Mentor Feedback: Continuous feedback is an integral part of the evaluation, promoting iterative improvement and deeper engagement with the project material.
Research Paper: Students will write a detailed research paper suitable for publication in a scholarly journal, reflecting the culmination of their project work.
Project Presentation: An oral defense of their research project, similar to a college thesis defense, to a panel of educators and experts.
Course Requirements:
- Completion of prerequisite courses in relevant STEAM fields.
- Active participation in all aspects of the course, including workshops, mentor meetings, and field trips.
- Successful completion and presentation of the individual research project.
- Completion of a capstone project including all documentation, a final artifact, and a public presentation.
- Regular entries in a reflective journal to foster a deeper personal and professional understanding of their project journey.
Why Choose This Course?
The "STEAM College Reach Head Program" is ideal for high-performing students dedicated to excelling in the STEAM fields at the college level. It offers students a unique opportunity to demonstrate their maturity in handling complex projects that require an integrated approach to STEAM disciplines. This course not only enhances students’ portfolios but also boosts their confidence in managing and presenting substantial projects. It prepares them for the challenges of higher education and professional environments, where interdisciplinary skills and the ability to innovate are highly valued. This course not only enhances students’ portfolios but also boosts their confidence in managing and presenting substantial projects.
English
Mathematics for College Technology
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Programming
English
Advanced Functions
Calculus and Vectors
Mathematics of Data Management
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Science
Science
Communications Technology
Computer Engineering Technology
Technological Design
Media Arts
Visual Arts
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Admission to the Reach Ahead program at THINNOX is on the basis of the student's overall performance in Grade 8, a personal statement (up to 500 words) stating the reasons for choosing the Reach Ahead course and an interview with the principal.
Upon admission, THINNOX will assume full responsibility for evaluating the student?s achievement and will be granting and recording the credit.
Grade 8 students that have been accepted for the Reach Ahead program at THINNOX also have the opportunity to start earning community involvement hours prior to entering Grade 9.
The STEAM Discovery Program is a 2-Year is an integrative, project-based course designed for high school freshmen (Grade 9) and sophomores (Grade 10) to explore and connect the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. This course encourages students to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects, collaborative teamwork, and real-world challenges. By blending these disciplines, students will not only gain a deeper understanding of each subject, but also learn how they intersect in practical, impactful ways.
Course Objectives:
- To provide students with practical experience in applying STEAM concepts to solve complex problems.
- To enhance critical thinking, creativity, and innovation through interdisciplinary projects.
- To cultivate skills in research, design, and technology use, preparing students for future academic and career pursuits.
- To develop effective communication and collaboration skills.
Learning Methods:
Interdisciplinary Projects: Each semester, students engage in major projects that require integrating skills and knowledge from all STEAM areas. Examples include developing an eco-friendly transport solution, creating a digital art installation that interacts with its viewers, or designing a mobile app for social good.
Lab Experiments and Makerspaces: Students will participate in regular lab sessions and use makerspace resources, allowing them to experiment with various tools, technologies, and materials — from 3D printers to robotics kits and beyond.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with local businesses and tech companies will provide students with insights into professional applications of STEAM and potential mentorship opportunities.
Art Integration: Projects will also include an artistic component, ensuring that creativity is valued alongside scientific and technical accuracy. This might involve integrating digital media, performing arts, or visual arts to present projects.
Field Trips and Workshops: Visits to museums, galleries, science centers, and companies will help students see the real-world impact of STEAM fields. Workshops may be offered on specific technologies, such as VR, AI, or sustainable materials.
Assessment Methods:
Project Portfolios: Students will create detailed portfolios documenting their project processes, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
Peer and Instructor Reviews: After each project, students will engage in review sessions where they receive feedback from both peers and instructors.
Self-Reflections: Students are expected to write reflective essays after completing each project, analyzing what they learned and how they can improve.
Course Requirements:
- Active participation in all projects, labs, and collaborative activities.
- Completion of all project portfolios and reflective essays.
- Engagement with guest speakers, field trips, and workshops.
Why Choose This Course?
STEAM Discovery Program is ideal for students passionate about exploring how multiple disciplines intersect and influence each other. It prepares students for the increasing demand for versatile problem solvers and innovators in the modern world. Students will leave this course not only with a solid foundation in STEAM fields but also with enhanced skills in thinking critically and creatively about solving complex problems.
English
Foundations of Mathematics
Core French
Science
Geography of Canada
English
Principles of Mathematics
Core French
Science
Geography of Canada
Healthy Active Living Education
Visual Arts
Integrated Arts
Exploring Technologies
English
Foundations of Mathematics
Science
Canadian History Since World War I
English
Principles of Mathematics
Science
Canadian History Since World War I
Career Studies
Civics
Introduction to Computer Studies
Communications Technology
Computer Technology
Manufacturing Technology
Technological Design
Media Arts
Visual Arts
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Technology
Engineering
Design
The STEAM SKILLS SPECIALIZATION PROGRAM is an innovative and immersive course tailored for 11th-grade students who are keen to delve deeper into specific aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. This course is structured around intensive, hands-on projects and workshops that allow students to specialize in an area of their choosing, such as robotics, environmental science, digital arts, software development, or bioengineering. Through a blend of laboratory work, studio time, collaborative projects, and direct mentorship, students will gain advanced skills and produce a substantial portfolio piece or project by the end of the year.
Course Objectives:
- To empower students with advanced knowledge and skills in a chosen specialization within the STEAM fields.
- To encourage independent research, project management, and application of theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
- To foster innovation and creativity through interdisciplinary projects integrating the chosen specialization with elements from other STEAM fields.
- To develop professional communication and presentation skills appropriate for both academic and workplace settings.
Learning Methods:
Specialization Workshops: Focused sessions led by experts in specific STEAM fields, providing students with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in their area of specialization.Capstone Project: A year-long project that students design and execute, demonstrating their mastery in their chosen specialization area. This project will culminate in a presentation at a public showcase or symposium.
Industry and Academic Partnerships: Students will have opportunities to interact with professionals and academics through internships, guest lectures, and site visits, giving them insight into current research and industry practices.
Peer Collaboration: Regular collaborative sessions where students work in multidisciplinary teams to discuss and assist with each other’s projects, encouraging a broader understanding of how various fields interact within STEAM.
Assessment Methods:
Portfolio Assessment: Students will compile a comprehensive portfolio that includes research, project drafts, final projects, and self-reflection.
Capstone Presentation: Evaluation based on the execution and presentation of the capstone project, assessing creativity, depth of knowledge, and practical application.
Peer and Instructor Feedback: Ongoing feedback from both peers and instructors throughout the course to guide project development and personal growth.
Course Requirements:
- Commitment to a chosen STEAM specialization for in-depth study and project development.
- Active participation in workshops, guest lectures, and collaborative sessions.
- Completion and presentation of the capstone project.
Why Choose This Course?
STEAM SKILLS SPECIALIZATION PROGRAM is perfect for students with a strong foundation in STEAM disciplines who are looking to concentrate their studies in specific areas of interest. It offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world application, preparing students for specialized higher education pathways or careers in STEAM fields. Students will graduate from this course not only with a robust portfolio but also with significant experiences in innovation, problem-solving, and professional communication.
English
Functions and Applications
Biology
Manufacturing Technology
English
Functions
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Introduction to Computer Science
Communications Technology
Computer Engineering Technology
Media Arts
Visual Arts
Introduction to Computer Programming
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
English
Mathematics for College Technology
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Programming
English
Advanced Functions
Calculus and Vectors
Mathematics of Data Management
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Science
Science
Communications Technology
Computer Engineering Technology
Technological Design
Media Arts
Visual Arts
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Click to learn more about Immersion Electives in your chosen field (A new tab will open).